Texas Community Comes Together to Rescue Sea Turtles
Sea Turtles rely on ambient heat to stay warm. (Mark Kolbe | Getty Images)
Texas’ recent winter storm, which left hundreds of thousands of residents without power, wasn’t just devastating for humans — thousands of sea turtles off the coast of the state’s South Padre Island were afflicted by the frigid conditions as well. Since sea turtles are cold-blooded and therefore unable to regulate their internal temperatures as easily as many of their fellow sea-dwellers, harsh weather can leave them stranded and even be life-threatening. Water temperatures under 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which are unusual around South Padre Island, can paralyze turtles, putting them at risk for run-ins with predators and boats. Stunned by the cold, many of the island’s turtles also washed up onshore.
South Padre Island’s Sea Turtle, Inc. stepped in to coordinate the rescue and rehabilitation of cold-stunned turtles. Aided by a powerful generator donated by SpaceX, the organization was able to house and warm thousands of rescued turtles until they recovered from paralysis. The surrounding community also played a huge part in the turtle rescue — local volunteers helped to collect sea turtles by boat and onshore, delivering them to the rehabilitation center even after losing access to power and clean water themselves. The center was quickly overwhelmed with the number of rescued turtles being brought in by volunteers but was able to fill a nearby convention center with the overflow. There, turtles received medical care and supervision until they were ready to return to the sea.
Sea Turtle, Inc. and South Padre Island’s resident volunteers worked selflessly to save the lives of thousands of sea turtles, who are classified as an endangered species. Their contributions protected decades-long efforts to conserve turtles in the area and saved the local population from devastation. As of Feb. 18, over 2,500 turtles were rescued on South Padre Island.
To donate or learn more about Sea Turtle, Inc., visit their website.
